An intimate wedding in Am Ploc, Torridon

Nestled beneath the mighty Torridon mountains, on the shores of a sea loch, is the open air church of Am Ploc, Torridon. This historic site of worship is now a tranquil and idyllic gathering point and the perfect place for an intimate and elemental wedding ceremony.

Kim and Dan travelled to Scotland to make their Marriage vows between earth and sky, and by mountains and water, with their dearest family as their witnesses. They chose this location because it reflected their love of Scotland, the outdoors, and the many epic adventures they have had hiking, enjoying nature, exploring castles and seeking out all the interesting history that’s tucked away across the country.

We began their ceremony with some reflections of their time together: from the beginning of their journey when their paths first crossed at 17 and 19, how they fell in love one weekend adventure at a time, and all that they have shared in their fourteen years together.

You’ve had so many wonderful times and you’ve been there for each other through some challenging moments. You have helped each other make big and brave decisions, you’ve supported each other through university, taken up new jobs, made a home together, and discovered new things about yourselves and each other.

You make each other smile everyday and in your words, “We are each other’s best friend and we’ve grown as people as we’ve grown together. From the beginning, our relationship has felt right and peaceful and like coming home.”

It was important to Kim and Dan that we gather their loved ones into their ceremony. Given they are both keen growers and their garden at home is one of the places they love most to share time, we invited Dan and Kim’s friends and family to take part in a symbolic Clootie Tree ritual.

Everyone present was invited to pause for a moment, to enjoy the peaceful tranquility of that special place, to consider the loving and binding commitments Kim and Dan were choosing to make to one another.

They each chose a ribbon that had been hand-dyed by Kim, held the ribbon close to their heart and imbued in it any blessings or well-wishing thoughts they have for Kim and Dan. Then when they were ready they sealed their blessings by dipping the ribbon in some water from the sea loch and tying their ‘cloot’ to Kim and Dan’s wedding fig tree.

Dan and Kim, you have chosen a fig tree as your Clootie Tree. Fig trees are steeped in ancient meaning and have long symbolised wisdom, knowledge and enlightenment.

The fig’s ability to bear fruit throughout the year also represents sustenance, continuity, and the cycle of life and I know you are looking forward to seeing your fig tree grow and bear fruits as your relationship continues to grow and you continue to discover and enjoy your shared journey.

It is believed that the roots of the Fig tree represent the past, its trunk the present, and its branches the future to come. How beautiful then that your families can tie their cloots and wishes to your fig tree, onto branches that represent your future together.

As the wind blows the cloots, all your good wishes shall be released and carried into the world. And, when each cloot eventually frays to nothing, that marks the fulfilment of each wish.

Dan and Kim spoke loving declarations to each other as their hands were fasted, honouring the ancient tradition of Handfasting, and reflecting the loyalty and friendship, respect and hope, trust and love that they feel for one another.

These are the hands that together will continue to build a life for you both that is centered on love and rich in caring.

These are the hands that will touch you with love and tenderness through the years, and will comfort you like no others’ can and will hold your family together.

These are the hands that will always be healer, protector, shelter and guide for each other.

These are the hands that will be reaching for yours tomorrow, and the next day, and forevermore.

They made their Marriage Vows to one another as they gifted each other a ring, promising that their lives – their pasts, presents and futures – be forever entwined in commitment and intention.

Dan and Kim celebrated with a just married toast in their wedding Quaich. They sealed their vows with a kiss as their family and friends toasted their love with a drink from the miniature Quaichs Kim and Dan had gifted to them.

It was an honour to hold space for Kim and Dan and their warm, embracing family and friends. It was a privilege to witness this sweet, kind-hearted couple make their life promises to one another.

Kim and Dan, thank you for trusting me with your ceremony. I wish you a thousand blessings in your lives together. May you have many wonderful adventures in the years to come, with all the great walks, epic talks, love and happiness you could wish for. Slàinte Mhaith!